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Saad, Carruth continue to make headway in CHL playoffs

by
Emerald Gao
/ Chicago Blackhawks

Mac Carruth and his Portland Winterhawks are undefeated in six games through the first two rounds of the WHL playoffs. (Photo courtesy of WHL/Bryan Heim)

Two Blackhawks prospects are providing veteran experience as their teams continue battling in the second round of the CHL playoffs; Saginaw captain Brandon Saad is playing in his second postseason with the Spirit, and Portland goaltender Mac Carruth already has two playoff runs under his belt with the Winterhawks. Through the first two games of their respective second-round series, Saad and Carruth have made significant contributions to try and lead their teams further into the postseason.

Ontario Hockey League

The Spirit are currently 1-1 against the top-seeded London Knights. Saad was held scoreless in the first game as the Knights romped to a 5-2 home victory. Back in Saginaw for Game 2, Saad returned to his scoring ways, tallying twice and adding an assist as the Spirit evened up the series with a 5-2 win of their own.

London will host Game 3 tonight, and the series will return to Saginaw on Wednesday, April 11.

Western Hockey League

Carruth, who recorded all four wins in Portland’s first-round sweep, remained unbeaten in the playoffs as the Winterhawks took a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Kamloops Blazers. The Blackhawks’ 2010 seventh-round selection opened the series by making 26 saves on 29 shots in Portland’s 5-3 victory. In Game 2, Carruth made a postseason-high 39 saves on 40 shots, preserving a 4-1 victory for the Winterhawks.